The team here at RD Plumbing Solutions knows how much we all love our properties,
from the Hills to the Coast. But there’s one sneaky problem that can silently chew
through your budget and damage your home: a water leak.
It’s often the hidden ones – the leaks under your slab or in the walls – that cause the
most grief, leading to unexpectedly high SA Water bills and costly property damage. But
don’t stress! As a local, reliable plumbing service, we’re here to give you the insider tips
on water leak detection and what to do next.
The Number One Clue: Your Water Meter
The very first and most definitive step in water leak detection is figuring out if you have a leak is to check your water meter. This little gem is your secret weapon for leak detection! It’s the official
measure of how much water is crossing the boundary from the SA Water main pipe to
your private plumbing. Making it the ultimate tell-tale sign of a hidden water loss.
The Quick ‘n’ Easy Water Leak Detection Meter Test:
Stop Water Use: Turn off all taps, appliances (washing machine, dishwasher),
and ensure nobody flushes a toilet or uses the shower for at least one to two
hours. If you have an irrigation system, make sure its timer is off.
Take a Reading: Note down the exact numbers on your meter. Pay close attention
to the small red digits or the little red triangle/star wheel, which are very sensitive
to even tiny flows. These are the litres!
Wait and Re-Read: After the waiting period (where no water was used), take a
second, accurate reading.
The Verdict: If the meter reading has changed—even if it’s just the little red
dials—congratulations (or, bad luck!), you likely have a plumbing leak
somewhere on your property. If it hasn’t changed, the leak is likely minor,
sporadic, or you don’t have one!
A South Australian Tip: Your water meter is the property of SA Water, and
generally, any leak before the meter is their responsibility. Any leak after the
meter (in your internal or external pipes) is the property owner’s responsibility to
fix.
Water Leak Detection Telltale Signs Around the Home (Inside and Out)
The meter test is brilliant for water leak detection, but you don’t always need a high bill to notice something is wrong. Keep an eye (and an ear!) out for these common physical signs:
Outside Your Home.
Unusual Green or Soggy Patches: Is one area of your lawn or garden looking
suspiciously lush and green, even in the middle of a hot South Australian
summer? Or is the ground perpetually damp? This is a classic sign of an
underground leak.
Cracked or Lifting Paving/Concrete: Water pooling underneath paved areas,
driveways, or concrete slabs can cause the soil to swell and move. If your paving
is cracked or lifting, especially near outdoor taps or where pipes run, a pipe leak
is a big possibility.
Hissing or Running Water Noise: Head out to your meter or outdoor taps when all
water is off. Can you hear a faint hissing, trickling, or running water sound? That’s
the sound of money (and water!) going down the drain.
Inside Your Home
Damp Spots, Discolouration, or Mould: Water migrating through walls, floors, or
ceilings will leave behind damp spots, staining, and potentially lead to the
growth of mould or mildew. Pay special attention to areas near wet zones like the
bathroom, kitchen, and laundry.
Low Water Pressure: A substantial leak can reduce the water pressure
throughout your entire home. If your shower is suddenly just a dribble, a burst
pipe could be the culprit.
The Running Toilet: A leaky toilet cistern is one of the most common—and
wasteful—domestic leaks. To check, add a few drops of food colouring to the
water in the cistern (the tank). Wait 15 minutes. If the coloured water appears in
the bowl without flushing, you have a leak that needs immediate repair.
The SA Water Allowance: A Bit of Relief
We know that discovering a major leak can be a real shock, especially when you get that
scary, high bill. The good news for South Australians is that SA Water offers a leakage
allowance for qualifying concealed leaks.
Key Eligibility Facts:
Concealed Leaks Only: The leak must have been hidden or not easy to see (e.g.,
under a slab, underground, or within a wall cavity). Leaks from visible fixtures like
taps, toilet cisterns, hot water systems, or pools are generally not eligible.
Licenced Plumber Repair: You often need to demonstrate that the leak was
repaired or replaced by a licenced plumber using authorised materials.
Time Sensitive: The application must usually be submitted within a few weeks of
the repair date or the next bill being issued.
The Benefit: If eligible, the allowance is typically a credit for 50% of the lost water
due to the leak, capped at a maximum volume (e.g., 600 kilolitres).
Our Recommendation: Save your skin and your money! If you suspect or confirm
a hidden leak, contact a professional plumber immediately. Having the repair
done by an independent, licensed professional like RD Plumbing Solutions
ensures you meet the strict criteria for the allowance.
Found a Leak? Time to Call the Experts
Water leak detection is only half the battle; locating and repairing it effectively is where the
pros come in.
As your local South Australian plumbing specialists, we use sophisticated, non-invasive
technology – including acoustic listening devices and thermal imaging cameras – to
accurately pinpoint the source of the leak, whether it’s a pipe burst, a faulty joint, or a
cracked water line. This means less digging, less damage to your property, and a faster,
more cost-effective fix.
The Water Leak Detection Experts
We’re a family-owned and run business right here in SA, and we pride ourselves on
providing prompt, honest, and high-quality service to our community. For us, it’s not just
about fixing leaks; it’s about looking out for our neighbours.
Ignoring a leak won’t make it go away – it will only get worse, costing you more in the long
run through skyrocketing bills and potential structural damage.
If you’re concerned about a high bill, hear that tell-tale hissing, or spot a mysterious
damp patch, don’t hesitate! Give the friendly team at RD Plumbing Solutions a call.
We’re here to help keep your South Australian home safe and dry, offering professional
advice and guaranteed work from one family-owned business to yours.
We look forward to keeping your water flowing properly!
Russell is a qualified Master Plumber, having been in the industry since 2004. He started his own company in 2013, and today, is a reputable company operating in metropolitan Adelaide. We are truly your local plumber!
We specialise in all aspects of plumbing services including 24 hour emergency response, blocked drains, drain camera inspections, pipe relining, gas fitting, hot water service & replacement, rain water tanks and all other home maintenance plumbing services. We aim to exceed your expectations in everyway and deliver the level of service that has made our business what it is today.
